1
|
Kalashnyk O, Lykhmus O, Sullivan R, Komisarenko S, Skok M. Agonists or positive allosteric modulators of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor prevent interaction of SARS-Cov-2 receptor-binding domain with astrocytoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149825. [PMID: 38537599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
SARS-Cov-2, the virus causing COVID-19, penetrates host target cells via the receptor of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Disrupting the virus interaction with ACE2 affords a plausible mechanism for prevention of cell penetration and inhibiting dissemination of the virus. Our studies demonstrate that ACE2 interaction with the receptor binding domain of SARS-Cov-2 spike protein (RBD) can be impaired by modulating the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) contiguous with ACE2. U373 cells of human astrocytoma origin were shown to bind both ACE2-specific antibody and recombinant RBD in Cell-ELISA. ACE2 was found to interact with α7 nAChR in U373 cell lysates studied by Sandwich ELISA. Our studies demonstrate that inhibition of RBD binding to ACE2-expressing U373 cells were defined with α7 nAChR agonists choline and PNU282987, but not a competitive antagonist methyllicaconitine (MLA). Additionally, the type 2 positive allosteric modulator (PAM2) PNU120596 and hydroxyurea (HU) also inhibited the binding. Our studies demonstrate that activation of α7 AChRs has efficacy in inhibiting the SARS-Cov-2 interaction with the ACE2 receptor and in such a way can prevent virus target cell penetration. These studies also help to clarify the consistent efficacy and positive outcomes for utilizing HU in treating COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olena Kalashnyk
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, 9, Leontovycha Str., 01054, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Olena Lykhmus
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, 9, Leontovycha Str., 01054, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | | | - Serhiy Komisarenko
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, 9, Leontovycha Str., 01054, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| | - Maryna Skok
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, NAS of Ukraine, 9, Leontovycha Str., 01054, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Skok M. The role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in post-acute sequelae of covid-19. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 168:106519. [PMID: 38218363 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 or Long COVID becomes evident some weeks to months following acute COVID-19. Symptoms include cognitive impairment and varying degrees of memory loss with no definitive etiologies or efficacious therapies forthcoming even after four years of the SARS-Cov2 pandemic virus. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the important role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in both acute COVID-19 and Long COVID. Evidence presented implicates immune mechanisms stimulated by SARS-Cov-2 S-protein fragment 674-685 that possesses homology with α7-specific ligands. Cognitive dysfunctions observed in Long COVID patients may be derived from anti-idiotypic α7-specific antibodies stimulated by (674-685)-specific antibodies. Therapeutic interventions capable of neutralizing these antibodies and restoring full functions of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors appear to be of paramount importance in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryna Skok
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, 9, Leontovycha str, 01054 Kyiv, Ukraine.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bele T, Turk T, Križaj I. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cancer: Limitations and prospects. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166875. [PMID: 37673358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have long been considered to solely mediate neurotransmission. However, their widespread distribution in the human body suggests a more diverse physiological role. Additionally, the expression of nAChRs is increased in certain cancers, such as lung cancer, and has been associated with cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition, angiogenesis and apoptosis prevention. Several compounds that interact with these receptors have been identified as potential therapeutic agents. They have been tested as drugs for treating nicotine addiction, alcoholism, depression, pain and Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on nAChR-mediated signalling in cancer, presenting opportunities for the development of innovative nAChR-based anticancer drugs. It displays the differences in expression of each nAChR subunit between normal and cancer cells for selected cancer types, highlighting their possible involvement in specific cases. Antagonists of nAChRs that could complement existing cancer therapies are summarised and critically discussed. We hope that this review will stimulate further research on the role of nAChRs in cancer potentially leading to innovative cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Bele
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - T Turk
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - I Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hanley PJ. Elusive physiological role of prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP): generation of choline for sperm motility via auto-and paracrine cholinergic signaling. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1327769. [PMID: 38187135 PMCID: PMC10766772 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1327769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) exists as two splice variants, secreted PAP and transmembrane PAP, the latter of which is implicated in antinociceptive signaling in dorsal root ganglia. However, PAP is predominantly expressed in the prostate gland and the physiological role of seminal PAP, first identified in 1938, is largely unknown. Here, the author proposes that PAP, following ejaculation, functions to hydrolyze phosphocholine (PC) in seminal fluid and generate choline, which is imported by sperm via a choline transporter and converted to acetylcholine (ACh) by choline acetyltransferase. Auto- and paracrine cholinergic signaling, or choline directly, may subsequently stimulate sperm motility via α7 nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) and contractility of the female reproductive tract through muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). Consistent with a role of PAP in cholinergic signaling, 1) seminal vesicles secrete PC, 2) the prostate gland secretes PAP, 3) PAP specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of PC into inorganic phosphate and choline, 4) seminal choline levels increase post-ejaculation, 5) pharmacological inhibition of choline acetyltransferase inhibits sperm motility, 6) inhibition or genetic deletion of α7 nAChRs impairs sperm motility, and 7) mAChRs are expressed in the uterus and oviduct (fallopian tube). Notably, PAP does not degrade glycerophosphocholine (GPC), the predominant choline source in the semen of rats and other mammals. Instead, uterine GPC phosphodiesterases may liberate choline from seminal GPC. In summary, the author deduces that PAP in humans, and uterine GPC phosphodiesterases in other mammals, function to generate choline for sperm cholinergic signaling, which promotes sperm motility and possibly contractility of the female reproductive tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Hanley
- IMM Institute for Molecular Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lykhmus O, Kalashnyk O, Sullivan R, Skok M. Hydroxyurea interaction with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor can underlie its therapeutic efficacy upon COVID-19. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 385:578244. [PMID: 38016403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
In this paper the authors provide evidence that hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) interacts with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-survival effect, prevents α7 nicotinic receptor interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 and stimulates IgM to IgG class switch upon immunization with SARS spike protein fragment 674-685. Hydroxyurea shifts immunoglobulin glycosylation profile to anti-inflammatory phenotype and prevents the appearance of anti-idiotypic α7(179-190)-specific antibodies, as well as memory impairment. According to these results, interaction with α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor may underlie positive therapeutic effects of hydroxyurea upon SARS-Cov-2 infection by interfering with virus penetration into the cell and providing anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maryna Skok
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kyiv, Ukraine.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Azcue N, Del Pino R, Acera M, Fernández-Valle T, Ayo-Mentxakatorre N, Pérez-Concha T, Murueta-Goyena A, Lafuente JV, Prada A, López de Munain A, Ruiz Irastorza G, Martín-Iglesias D, Ribacoba L, Gabilondo I, Gómez-Esteban JC, Tijero-Merino B. Dysautonomia and small fiber neuropathy in post-COVID condition and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Transl Med 2023; 21:814. [PMID: 37968647 PMCID: PMC10648633 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04678-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-COVID condition can present similarities such as fatigue, brain fog, autonomic and neuropathic symptoms. METHODS The study included 87 patients with post-COVID condition, 50 patients with ME/CFS, and 50 healthy controls (HC). The hemodynamic autonomic function was evaluated using the deep breathing technique, Valsalva maneuver, and Tilt test. The presence of autonomic and sensory small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was assessed with the Sudoscan and with heat and cold evoked potentials, respectively. Finally, a complete neuropsychological evaluation was performed. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the autonomic and neuropathic symptoms in post-COVID condition with ME/CFS, and HC, as well as, analyze the relationship of these symptoms with cognition and fatigue. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found between groups in heart rate using the Kruskal-Wallis test (H), with ME/CFS group presenting the highest (H = 18.3; p ≤ .001). The Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and pathological values in palms on the Sudoscan were found in 31% and 34% of ME/CFS, and 13.8% and 19.5% of post-COVID patients, respectively. Concerning evoked potentials, statistically significant differences were found in response latency to heat stimuli between groups (H = 23.6; p ≤ .01). Latency was highest in ME/CFS, and lowest in HC. Regarding cognition, lower parasympathetic activation was associated with worse cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS Both syndromes were characterized by inappropriate tachycardia at rest, with a high percentage of patients with POTS. The prolonged latencies for heat stimuli suggested damage to unmyelinated fibers. The higher proportion of patients with pathological results for upper extremities on the Sudoscan suggested a non-length-dependent SFN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Azcue
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
| | - R Del Pino
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain.
| | - M Acera
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
| | - T Fernández-Valle
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - N Ayo-Mentxakatorre
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
| | - T Pérez-Concha
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - A Murueta-Goyena
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - J V Lafuente
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - A Prada
- Department of Immunology, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain
- Spanish Network for the Research in Multiple Sclerosis, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - A López de Munain
- Department of Neurology, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- CIBERNED-CIBER, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Ruiz Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - D Martín-Iglesias
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - L Ribacoba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - I Gabilondo
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- The Basque Foundation for Science, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain
| | - J C Gómez-Esteban
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain.
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.
- CIBERNED-CIBER, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - B Tijero-Merino
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- CIBERNED-CIBER, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ladokhin AS. Ukrainian science in the context of its anticolonial struggle. BBA ADVANCES 2023; 3:100093. [PMID: 37334276 PMCID: PMC10275747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadva.2023.100093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The current Special Issue entitled "Highlights of Ukrainian Molecular Biosciences" is dedicated to presenting recent contributions in the areas of biochemistry and biophysics, molecular biology and genetics, molecular and cellular physiology, and physical chemistry of biological macromolecules made by researchers either currently working in Ukraine or those who have obtained their training in Ukrainian institutions. Obviously, such a collection can present only a small sample of relevant studies, making the editorial task a particular challenge, as inevitably many deserving research groups were missed. In addition, we are greatly sorrowed that some of the invitees were unable to contribute due to the continued bombardments and military attacks perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine since 2014, and especially in 2022. This Introduction is also intended to provide a broader context for understanding of Ukraine's decolonization struggle, both in science and on the battlefield, and outlines suggestions for the global scientific community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S. Ladokhin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pechlivanidou M, Ninou E, Karagiorgou K, Tsantila A, Mantegazza R, Francesca A, Furlan R, Dudeck L, Steiner J, Tzartos J, Tzartos S. Autoimmunity to Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106790. [PMID: 37164280 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in many and diverse cell types, participating in various functions of cells, tissues and systems. In this review, we focus on the autoimmunity against neuronal nAChRs, the specific autoantibodies and their mechanisms of pathological action in selected autoimmune diseases. We summarize the current relevant knowledge from human diseases as well as from experimental models of autoimmune neurological disorders related to antibodies against neuronal nAChR subunits. Despite the well-studied high immunogenicity of the muscle nAChRs where autoantibodies are the main pathogen of myasthenia gravis, autoimmunity to neuronal nAChRs seems infrequent, except for the autoantibodies to the ganglionic receptor, the α3 subunit containing nAChR (α3-nAChR), which are detected and are likely pathogenic in Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG). We describe the detection, presence and function of these antibodies and especially the recent development of a cell-based assay (CBA) which, contrary to until recently available assays, is highly specific for AAG. Rare reports of autoantibodies to the other neuronal nAChR subtypes include a few cases of antibodies to α7 and/or α4β2 nAChRs in Rasmussen encephalitis, schizophrenia, autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis, and in some myasthenia gravis patients with concurrent CNS symptoms. Neuronal-type nAChRs are also present in several non-excitable tissues, however the presence and possible role of antibodies against them needs further verification. It is likely that the future development of more sensitive and disease-specific assays would reveal that neuronal nAChR autoantibodies are much more frequent and may explain the mechanisms of some seronegative autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katerina Karagiorgou
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece; Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Renato Mantegazza
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Andreetta Francesca
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaello Furlan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Leon Dudeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Laboratory of Translational Psychiatry, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Mental Health DZPG, Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits Underlying Mental Health C-I-R-C, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - John Tzartos
- 2(nd) Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Socrates Tzartos
- Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics, Athens, Greece; Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece; Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Richter K, Grau V. Signaling of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mononuclear phagocytes. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106727. [PMID: 36966897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are not only expressed by the nervous system and at the neuro-muscular junction but also by mononuclear phagocytes, which belong to the innate immune system. Mononuclear phagocyte is an umbrella term for monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. These cells play pivotal roles in host defense against infection but also in numerous often debilitating diseases that are characterized by exuberant inflammation. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the neuronal type dominate in these cells, and their stimulation is mainly associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Although the cholinergic modulation of mononuclear phagocytes is of eminent clinical relevance for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases and neuropathic pain, we are only beginning to understand the underlying mechanisms on the molecular level. The purpose of this review is to report and critically discuss the current knowledge on signal transduction mechanisms elicited by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in mononuclear phagocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Richter
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany
| | - Veronika Grau
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Germany; German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; Cardiopulmonary Institute (CPI), Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|